Panasonic DMC-FZ30 vs. Canon G6 / Pro1

[michael1973]

Hi,

I am thinking about replacing my Canon Powershot G6 (since Canon has no follow-up product) with the Panasonic DMC-FZ30, but I am not sure about its photo quality.

1. How is the photo quality of the FZ30 compared to

- the G6?
- the Powershot Pro1?

2. How is the photo quality of the FZ30 compared to the FZ7?

Thanks in advice...

Regards,
Michael

[michael1973]

Please help!

I am really not sure if I should sell my G6 if the noise level of the FZ30 is much higher or even not comparable. Since I have seen prints of the Pro1 a comparison also would make sense for me. Is the noise level of the FZ30 much higher?

My new camera should have:

1. 5x minimum zoom
2. minimum 6 mpx
3. fast focussing
4. image stabilizer or high iso
5. good night shot capability

...and of course good image quality

What do I mainly photograph?

- landscapes, buildings
- portraits

If the G6 would be a bit faster and would have more zoom and an image stabilizer then it would be my perfect camera...

[Jason25]

Please help!

I am really not sure if I should sell my G6 if the noise level of the FZ30 is much higher or even not comparable. Since I have seen prints of the Pro1 a comparison also would make sense for me. Is the noise level of the FZ30 much higher?

My new camera should have:

1. 5x minimum zoom
2. minimum 6 mpx
3. fast focussing
4. image stabilizer or high iso
5. good night shot capability

...and of course good image quality

What do I mainly photograph?

- landscapes, buildings
- portraits

If the G6 would be a bit faster and would have more zoom and an image stabilizer then it would be my perfect camera...

For me, the image quality and noise levels of the FZ30 are unacceptable.

I think that if you want to shoot landscapes and buildings, you'll want a wider lens than the 35mm of the FZ30. I learned of this issue when I had my Sony H1, as I mostly shoot landscapes. I found myself wishing I could back up. Now, I plan on getting an ultra-wide lens for my D50 for this same reason. You'll notice that just as easily when shooting buildings, especially when you want the whole building in the frame, but can't back up any more. Look for something with 24-28mm on the wide end and you'll probably be much happier.

[michael1973]

Thanks for your answer! Unfortunately it doesn't make it easier for me to sell my old G6 ;-)

A DSLR is not an option (too expensive).

As I have been always a friend of the Canon Powershot Series: Is there anybody who had a G3, G5 or G6 and now a FZ30? I really would like to know how big the noise problem of the FZ30 is (especially in low ISO modes 80 to 200)...

[tim11]

This is from DCRP review, complete with sample pics. Click on VIEW FULL SIZE IMAGE.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz30-review/index.shtml

[michael1973]

Anyways, in the meantime I have seen many new pics that were taken with the FZ30 and I recognized its noise problem even in ISO 100...and I don't like to use external software solutions for image processing.

I have read the reviews of the Panasonic F7 by Steve and the one by Simon Joinson (dpreview) and it seems as the pictures taken with that cam have not the same massive noise problem. I'm waiting eagerly for the review by Jeff...

Another alternative would be the Fuji 9500 (here in Germany it is "9000"). The image quality seems to be excellent and it has a wide-angle lens, but it lacks of an image stabilizer.

Then, there is the Canon S3 IS, which is planned to be released in May...that could be another alternative. I really like the "canon color" and the excellent battery life.

I think I'm stuck..-:confused:

[timmciglobal]

The s9000 pictures I just don't like. The noise reduction seems to my eyes to give the images a fake feel to them. I don't know exactly what it is but when I look at the higher ISO shots on S9000 they seem fake. Combine that with the CA and lack of IS and I think it's not really worth it.

The pro1 is a noise demon, It's a fasntastic daytime camera or flash camera if you don't mind the SLOW af but it's deffinitly dated, I doubt you'll see a new pro1.

The FZ-30 has too much noise at low ISO, as does FZ-7. Neither have any use at night without flash.

I'd really consider saving a few $ and buying a lower end dSLR like nikon D50.

Tim

[michael1973]

I know that a d-SLR would be a good choice in terms of image quality, but as I've said before, I don't want one, because I have to buy (expensive) lenses and to carry them with me.

You said that the FZ7 has the same noise problem as the FZ30. Is the amount of noise really comparable (especially in low ISO mode)?

[timmciglobal]

The noise is worse, as per dpreviews review.

Tim

[michael1973]

OK, but if I understand, Steve (Steve's Digicams) right, he says that in comparison to the FZ30 the amount of noise the F7 produces isn't that worse (in lower ISO):

"Noise levels are below normal at lower ISO speeds, becoming more noticeable as the ISO is raised above 100. When you zoom in to 100% on a SO 200 or 400 image, yes you can see plenty of imager noise."

Anyways, I hope Jeff's review will help me in my decision...:)

[michael1973]

Finally, I think I'll buy one of the following cameras:

FZ30
Fuji S9000

I know that they have been compared very often in the last weeks, but what would you think is the better camera for me?

- I have never had a camera with 28mm wideangle before. I really like to take shots of landscapes. Is the advantage to 35mm that big?

- I haven't used the macro mode of the G6 very often

- My next camera should have a better behavior in low light situations than the G6 had

- My next cam should have more zoom than the G6

- My next cam should be quite fast (for a non dSLR)

So which of them would you buy? :confused:

Thanks...

[coldrain]

The difference between 36mm and 28mm is quite big, yes. And you want it to do better than the G6 in low light? The FZ30 will do MUCH WORSE in low light, so this just made your choice rather obvious.

[michael1973]

Thank you very much! I'll go for the Fuji S9000...I think the image stabilization of the FZ30 is one thing, but the noise is another...and obviously the noise is visible even in iso 80 and 100. Also I think that the colors red and blue are slightly oversaturated. For all who have heard about "blurry" pictures that the S9000 should take: I have seen several hundred photos in the meantime and cannot confirm that...